Charlotte's Coffee Scene is H-O-T

Move over Dunkin Donuts. Caffeine junkies can get a fix at local spots across the Queen City.

Coffee Tray (Courtesy Not Just Coffee)

Coffee houses are springing up across the city, offering caffeine junkies a jolt of premium flavor and top-shelf technique.

Not Just Coffee

The resident repository for NC-based Counter Culture Coffee beans has two Uptown cafes and one in South End. At 7th Street Public Market, grab a seat at the bar and enjoy some pretty swell latte art.

Sig perk: Latte (flavors range caramel to vanilla bean sugar)

Where: 224 E. 7th St.

Undercurrent Coffee

Head to Plaza Midwood for this late spring entree into Charlotte’s bean scene. Behind the whimsical menu is seasoned barista Diana Mnatsakanyan.

Sig perk: TBD

Where: 2012 Commonwealth Ave.

Waterbean

Savor your way through a hand-brewed coffee tasting flight at Waterbean’s new Uptown spot, or try a cuppa French press, AeroPress, Chemex pour-over or average drip-style.

Sig perk: Cold-brew iced coffee

Where: 616 N. Tryon St.

Rush Espresso

That hand-crafted specialty in your cup doesn't stop at coffee. Find a broad selection of wine and brews at this contemporary spot that keeps its cool vibes going with a chic interior and lots of live music.

Sig Perk: Latte (for the unreal coffee art atop your foam)

Where: 14825 Ballantyne Village Way; 120 Brevard Court

Hex

An ode to espresso, Hex believes in serving the concentrated sips in their purest form, with a focus on quality and sustainability and consideration for brew ratio, grind size and filter material.